1 Introduction to Islam By : Faiza Mubin Alvi

2 Contents Islam and Muslims: the terms Some Fundamental concepts of faith –Concept of God –Creation and purpose of man on earth –Guidance from God - prophets and books –Concept of accountability on the Day of Judgement –The mercy of God

3 Islam & Muslim Submission or surrender Peace Total and complete submission to our Creator - resulting in inner and outer peace. MUSLIM: one who submits to the command of God therefore attaining peace.

4 Concept of God Allah : the name Creator and creation Al-Fatihah and Al-Ikhlas 99 names Closest to us- no intermediaries Tawhid and Shirk

5 Al- Ikhlas –The Sincerity, Oneness Of Allah Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.

6 Al-Fatihah In the name of Allah Most Compassionate, Most Merciful All praises are due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone do we worship and You alone do we seek help from. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings, not of those who have incurred Your wrath nor those who are astray.

7 Creation of Man Universe made subservient to man Humans created from a single soul Equality of mankind Lessons learned in Paradise –Satan avowed enemy to man –Humans are prone to sin –How to attain forgiveness –Two paths

8 O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person and created from it his mate, and from the two of them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you. Surah 4:1

9 Purpose of man Vicegerent on earth To use and not abuse the universe To worship him alone- ‘ibadah The earth a field for the hereafter

10 Guidance from God We are promised guidance Every nation received guidance Prophets and Books Those who follow guidance shall have no fear nor shall they grieve

11 The Prophets Chosen by Allah Humans Best people of their time Made mistakes but no sins Same religion different law We make no difference between them

12 Muhammad (saws) A servant and messenger of God Born 570, received revelation 610 went to Madinah 622, died 630 CE Lived and died within recorded history Life and message preserved till today The best example to be followed

13 The Qur’an The very word of God Revealed to Muhammad (saws) through Gabriel over a period of 23 years Written down immediately as revealed Preserved as it is in original language The miracle of the last Prophet

14 Miracles of the Qur’an Challenges us to prove it wrong Only book not outdated Scientific evidence Unimitable with a unique combination of poetry and prose Preserved - no editions, no revisions

15 Accountability Answerable because of freedom of choice Qur’an prompts to think, reflect, ponder Every thought, action and deed judged Complete justice done Judged on the basis of faith - we cannot see inside the hearts

16 The Mercy of God God’s mercy surpasses everything else We earn His mercy Repentance should be sincere God does not need anything from us No change since the day of Adam